On Wednesday, children from the Supporters Club participated in the traditional training session with the OGC Nice squad. It is certain that it was a morning that will stay with them for a long time...

"Alessio", "Timéo", "Lorenzo", "Elona", "Matteo", "Gabriel", "Clara", etc. More than 60 Pichouns replied to the invite from the Supporters Club on Wednesday morning. Escaping from a day in their usual school routine, to take on the routine of a footballer, with the blessing of their parents, who also travelled to a Plaine du Var covered in sunshine.

The Pichouns are ready

Once the formalities were completed, it was time for them to take to the pitch. Boots on their feet, their red and black shirt on their back, and ready for their workout. As soon as Dante, Le Bihan and co. had given them a high-five, coach Gioria blew his whistle and the session began.

The session was made-up of five stations. The youngsters worked on their ball-work with Srarfi and Lloris, perfecting their shooting with Eysseric and Lusamba, their precision with Super Mario and Bosetti or taking on Dante, Le Marchand, Le Bihan, Ricardo, Koziello and Dalbert on a mini pitch, amongst others.

“Better than Christmas”

​Valentin Eysseric explained: “their eyes were glistening, they were trying to get involved. For us, it’s important to make them happy.”

“We had some parents that told us that it was better than Christmas, explained Solange Claude, president of the Supporters Club. From the moment they told their children, they have never been so well behaved. Other parents kept it as a surprise. The kids went crazy. These are magical moments. We are really grateful for what the club has done, they get involved and allow us to give so much happiness to the children.”

“This occasion is an unmissable moment of the season, added Virginie Rossetti, Communications Director of OGC Nice. An event that has become a tradition given that it is the 14th consecutive year that we have organised it in conjunction with the Supporters Club. To see these children dressed in red and black rub shoulders with the pros and to see the amount of pleasure they take from it is a source of real pride.”

After the session, the youngsters came together to take part in the traditional group photo, and to unite to proclaim “Issa Nissa” with their Aiglons. Then, they made the most of their final moments with Le Bihan and co. to perfect their autograph collection and to have pictures with each of them, allowing the kids to retain memories from their morning for the rest of their lives.

Finally, our young fans had the right to some well-deserved food before leaving the pitch. “I will come back next year. And then again the year after, until I am too big” concluded Elona, smiling from ear to ear and with stars in her eyes.

F.H (Photos A.D and Drone 06)

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